thinking dslr, photo guru's please help

[946speedz]

ive really been enjoying photography lately and with a baby on the way id like to make one "larger" purchase before we are "broke". i have a little fuji finepix z3 right now and make due with what i have. im in the market for a tad fancier camera and figured i would look for some professional or semi-pro advice. lookin at buy.com and overstock it seems like my range is gonna be 500-700. any good buys i should look for in that range?

[CPonyGo]

Personally I like Newegg and would look at the Canons...My personal fav. Also when looking on these sites AND prices,make sure you aren't looking at any re manufactured units

[946speedz]

copy that on the reman's

[badass88gt]

If you go on WiStangs, Isaac and the rest of the gang have a whole forum with some real good info on there. I'm also wanting a DSLR and was really leaning towards the Nikon D40 but I think after playing with the Canon XSi at Best Buy, thats the one I really want now.

Some good places to get it from are Amazon, who Ive found to be the cheapest on teh XSi, Adorama, and B&H Photo.

Here's a real good site for reading about all of that stuff....

http://kenrockwell.com/

[udlose98]

I just god a Nikon D60 and am pretty happy with it so far. Though I never looked at the Xsi.

[pOrk]

XSI is tits, would you consider used? I just sold my Xt for 400, came with 2 2 gig memory cards, the kit lens, nifty fifty lense, 75-300mm telephoto lens, camera bag, cleaning supplies, the whole works for 400. You can probably get an Xt for the same price now.

[jbiscuit]

KEH camera has used bodies etc and they back their stuff they sell. I got a bum lense from them and the focus ring was broken. I bought it used and no questions asked, they sent me another one overnight. Good customer service

[946speedz]

right now im leaning towards the canon xsi but man i didnt realize lenses were sooo damn expensive ....... wow

[pOrk]

A good lense will cost as much as the body, usually more :)

[jbiscuit]

^ agree. Its actually wiser to spend your money on the glass.

[946speedz]

welcome to the new world of fine photography right :) hahah

[07ROUSHSTG3]

i have a canon xti and have no clue how to use the damn thing, LOL! no time to really sit down and take a class or read up on it. my wife however is starting to really get the hang of it. i looked at the nikons when looking too, but the canon just felt a touch nicer??? i could only compare on looks and feel, since i knew absolutely nothing about the technical specs.

x2 on the wistangs guys. isaac, nick, and the others can shoot some damn good photos!

[CPonyGo]

well if the lenses are a bit duanting in price then look at the Canon S5 IS. Its a slr bodied point and shoot with outstanding results comparable to slrs if you are experienced. I have that camera and am still learning it and is a nice ass camera

[Nick]

Yeah lenses are expensive. I have around $2,700 in lenses alone (only 4).

I'm going to stick with my 40D body for a while.

Def look into XSi though. Shit, even an XTi is a good deal for you.

[Exitspeed]

Personally I like Newegg and would look at the Canons...My personal fav. Also when looking on these sites AND prices,make sure you aren't looking at any re manufactured units

+1.

Newegg or Amazon. Both have very competitive prices. It's usually a matter of who has it in stock. I have a Canon 40D and at the time Newegg and damn near everyone else was sold out. Amazon was the only place that had one in stock.

If you are going to go DSLR and spend the money, save and SPEND the money. It's a purchase you want to last you a long time and don't want to have to replace because of a lack of features when you out grow it too quick.

For instance the Nikon d40 and d40X are glorified point and shoots. They are also limited on the number of lenses they can use. Not good.

Also know that while your body is important your glass is even MORE important. Because while you may want to upgrade your body say in 5+ years, your glass should be forever.

So again, plan for the future and the long term. It's just like cars. You can ebay your car up, but you'll be spending twice the money down the road replacing everything.

Also, don't be tempted to buy at Best Buy or a retailer. The mark up on camera equipment is out-******-ragous compared to what you can get it for shipped online.

-Mel

[CPonyGo]

^^^qft^^^ what I saved online I was able to get a 8g cardand a couple other accessories

[badass88gt]

The Nikon D40 isnt bad, its no Canon but youre not paying $700 for it either.

[Exitspeed]

^^^qft^^^ what I saved online I was able to get a 8g cardand a couple other accessories

As far as cards go, it's also a good idea to had more smaller cards then one big one. So if you have an 8 gig card, buy a couple 2 gigs too. that way if you are doing a shoot and you are able to dumb your photo's on you laptop, you don't have to wait while the files transfer. Ypu just swap cards and kepp going.

But yea, you can get them shipped to you online WAY cheaper then you can walk into BB or CC and buy them. It's a f*ckin scam really.


The Nikon D40 isnt bad, its no Canon but youre not paying $700 for it either.

No, it's not bad, but it's also not all that good.

OP, read this thread. A LOTTA good info here. http://zilvia.net/f/off-topic-chat/180978-buying-d-slr-need-some-opinions.html

[badass88gt]

Another review, this guy is pretty well respected in the "Photog" world. The autofocus really isnt that huge of a deal.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

Same as everything, as 10 people and get 12 different opinions. Isaac on WiStangs had some great advice when looking for a camera. First look for your price, then see how they feel in your hand, then lens/accessory availibility.

http://www.wistangs.com/forums/index.php?showforum=62

http://www.wistangs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6300

http://www.wistangs.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6618

[Goat Roper]

The autofocus really isnt that huge of a deal.


I am late to this party but if you are talking about the cheaper Nikons only having 3 point AF it can make a huge difference when panning a moving object.

[badass88gt]

I meant that it will only autofocus with newer lenses, older lenses you need to manual focus. I do agree about the focal points though, thats one reason I'm hoping Santa brings me an XSi instead of the D40.

[Goat Roper]

I meant that it will only autofocus with newer lenses, older lenses you need to manual focus. I do agree about the focal points though, thats one reason I'm hoping Santa brings me an XSi instead of the D40.

Yeah, AI servo mode ftw.

XSi is a good solid rig, hope that one works out. And I think it has already been said but the quality of the glass you throw on it really does make a difference. They get pricey but at the same time you can rent lenses from borrowlenses.com, ziplens.com or rentglass.com as well.

[badass88gt]

Thats good info, I didnt know you could rent lenses.

[udlose98]

I am late to this party but if you are talking about the cheaper Nikons only having 3 point AF it can make a huge difference when panning a moving object.

good call. I tend to shoot more still things (cars, outdoor stuff(trees,flowers,etc)) If I were more into shooting sports or action shots, the 3 point AF would be an issue.

[Junky Giorgio]

I've actually been looking into upgrading to a dslr. Just yesterday I checked out the SONY DSLR A300. The features it has are not very difficult to navigate through since I'm new to the whole SLR deal. Any opinions or suggestions on this camera?

[Goat Roper]

The A300 is a good dslr if you are looking for a short learning curve from a P&S. It's built in I.S. and live view certainly make that point even more true. Accessories will be very limited though, you will not find a row of lenses, etc to buy for the camera. Also, lens rental is non-existant at this point, if ever, for the Sony line.

Decent camera, good IQ and it's price point is right there.

[Junky Giorgio]

Thanks for the info! I do realize that there isn't much available for lenses. I've been doing my photography with a CANON SD870is which is very nice don't get me wrong, but I'm looking for something more now. I really can't beat the price I'd be getting on it since my brother works at American. The CANON xti ect is really nice, but like I said I want to use the camera, not let the camera use me.

[Cryptic]

If your interested in a Canon XT (350D) body with an extra battery (no lenses) for $325 let me know. That leaves you $200-$400 for your choice of glass.
I have the original box, manuals, CD's, etc

I'm thinking about getting the 5D Mark II

[Junky Giorgio]

Thats very tempting Andy. If possible, pm me a pic of it. Thanks

[946speedz]

wow i have lost control of my own thread :) hahah, well i took a look at the xsi at best buy today and its my next camera for sure i love the thing

[badass88gt]

Dont buy it from Best Buy. Amazon has it for $150 cheaper.

[CPonyGo]

Like Dan said^^ look online..Amazon-Newegg...it takes 2-3 days for a big savings...get a big gig card for what you save...

[Nick]

I buy lenses from newegg because i find them to be the cheapest. I usually pick up my bodies from jr.com because sometimes they are the cheapest.

[DirtyMax]

Dell.com has their Day of Deals thing going on this week.

Todays "deal" is the Xsi for $630 and that's with the 18-55 kit lens I do believe.

Is that a good price???? If so, might wanna act now!

[Goat Roper]

Dell.com has their Day of Deals thing going on this week.

Todays "deal" is the Xsi for $630 and that's with the 18-55 kit lens I do believe.

Is that a good price???? If so, might wanna act now!

If that is the case buy it if it has the kit lens.

[DirtyMax]

Personally, I don't need it having just bought the Xti in February but for that price, I could probably sell my xti with a kit lens and move up for minimal $$....

Hopefully someone jumps on this special price. It looks to be a smoking deal compared to other retailers.

[Exitspeed]

+1.

Newegg or Amazon. Both have very competitive prices. It's usually a matter of who has it in stock. I have a Canon 40D and at the time Newegg and damn near everyone else was sold out. Amazon was the only place that had one in stock.

If you are going to go DSLR and spend the money, save and SPEND the money. It's a purchase you want to last you a long time and don't want to have to replace because of a lack of features when you out grow it too quick.

For instance the Nikon d40 and d40X are glorified point and shoots. They are also limited on the number of lenses they can use. Not good.

Also know that while your body is important your glass is even MORE important. Because while you may want to upgrade your body say in 5+ years, your glass should be forever.

So again, plan for the future and the long term. It's just like cars. You can ebay your car up, but you'll be spending twice the money down the road replacing everything.

Also, don't be tempted to buy at Best Buy or a retailer. The mark up on camera equipment is out-******-ragous compared to what you can get it for shipped online.

-Mel


Dont buy it from Best Buy. Amazon has it for $150 cheaper.


Like Dan said^^ look online..Amazon-Newegg...it takes 2-3 days for a big savings...get a big gig card for what you save...


Dell.com has their Day of Deals thing going on this week.

Todays "deal" is the Xsi for $630 and that's with the 18-55 kit lens I do believe.

Is that a good price???? If so, might wanna act now!

Seriously. DON'T BUY from Best Buy. You are WASTING money.

[badass88gt]

Amazon, $654 and free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=kenrockwellcom

[Goat Roper]

Thems some deals right there

[946speedz]

newegg has it for 650 w/ lens kit, just went to best buy to get a feel for the camera.

[DirtyMax]

The one at dell is 630 and it also has the kit lens.

Nick found this price of $599 for body only if you don't need a lens but it sounds like you may at least need something for starters...
http://www.jr.com/canon/pe/CAN_REBELXSIB/

[Cryptic]

you guys need to get over "With lens" and pick out one that suits your needs

[Exitspeed]

you guys need to get over "With lens" and pick out one that suits your needs

True dat. Kit lens are garbage.

[946speedz]

actually the kit lens that comes with the package deal gets decent reviews from most people i have seen review the camera. its not the best and not the worst

[DirtyMax]

My point was that the kit lens gets you taking pictures until you can afford to buy decent lenses. And I've gotten some decent shots with the cheapie kit lens. Not everyone has the dough to shell out $600 for a camera and then another several hundered for a lens that's worth a shit.... and I think the new Canon kit lens comes with IS as well.

These were taken with my "shitty kit lens" and have had no post-processing done to them at all (mainly because I haven't learned how to yet)... I had the kit lens on the camera one night, felt too lazy to change it over, and this is what I got.... didn't think theu were terrible IMO...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t227/jdallard/Honeymoon/DPP_0003.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t227/jdallard/Honeymoon/DPP_107.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t227/jdallard/Honeymoon/DPP_0002.jpg

[946speedz]

dirty is that the xsi?

[Goat Roper]

He has an XTi

There are different "kit" lenses these days, anywhere from an 18-55 base, to an 18-55 IS to a 28-135 IS, so when people refer to "kit" they may be diff. I am speaking of Canon of course.

[DirtyMax]

Yes, Scott is right.. that's an XTi with the base 18-55 non IS version.

The XSi comes with an 18-55 IS lens I think.

Until I get a 10-20 or something else fairly wide, I think I'll still use my 18-55 alot more than I ever thought I would. The widest lens I have after the kit lens starts at 50mm....

[946speedz]

can someone recommend a lens for racing IE..... AMA/MOTO GP

[DirtyMax]

My friend Isaac (and Scott too for that matter) borrowed my Sigma 50-500. The aperature is kind of slow 5-6.3 but for filming outdoor events, it seems to be plenty capable.

For $1000, it's tough to find a lens with that kind of range with the decent IQ this one seems to produce....

I never saw anything Scott captured with it and I don't have any pics uploaded either that I used the "Bigma" for, but I know Isaac took it to RA and here's a sampling of what he got with it. Bikes should be similar to shooting cars for the most part...

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0086.jpg

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0138.jpg

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0092.jpg

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0053.jpg

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0435.jpg

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0433.jpg

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0408.jpg

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0323.jpg

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0354.jpg

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0293.jpg

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0253.jpg

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0310.jpg

http://www.isaacolson.com/photos/content/Automotive/Road%20America%20-%20Kohler%20International%20Challenge%20-%202008/roadamerica_0425.jpg

[Goat Roper]

That Bigma is a hell of a lens. Great focal length (50-500), heavy as hell though.

Took great photos out at 500 and was crisp at 50. My camera is a full framer though and you can see the vignetting on the edges of the photos, so the lens looks to more suited for an aps-c sensor (1.6x crop).

The images were taken from the same points to give you an idea of the range.

http://www.webtrendsguy.com/images/july4th1.jpg

http://www.webtrendsguy.com/images/july4th2.jpg

http://www.webtrendsguy.com/images/july4th3.jpg

[Cryptic]

vignetting is dark corners for those that don't know

[946speedz]

well just placed my order tonight, happy bday to me :) picked up the canon eos xsi 450d w/ kit lense and also picked up the "nifty fifty" Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II and a class 6 sdhc card. im pretty anxious to get some shots :)

[Cryptic]

sounds like a great rig to get started

[DirtyMax]

The "Nifty Fifty" is an awesome lens. I've gotten some great shots with it. Congrats on the purchase!

[Nick]

That Bigma is a hell of a lens. Great focal length (50-500), heavy as hell though.

Took great photos out at 500 and was crisp at 50. My camera is a full framer though and you can see the vignetting on the edges of the photos, so the lens looks to more suited for an aps-c sensor (1.6x crop).

The images were taken from the same points to give you an idea of the range.

http://www.webtrendsguy.com/images/july4th1.jpg





Holy shit.

Do you have a high res of this? I am in this pic. :rolf:rolf:rolf

GReen shirt and black backwards hat on the left side of the photo in the rocks.

[Exitspeed]

well just placed my order tonight, happy bday to me :) picked up the canon eos xsi 450d w/ kit lense and also picked up the "nifty fifty" Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II and a class 6 sdhc card. im pretty anxious to get some shots :)

That's not the nifty fifty. That's the THRIFTY fifty. lol. I have the Nifty 50 1.4. I've never used the 1.8 but the 1.4 is an AWESOME lens to have.

[946speedz]

nifty or thrifty still for 70 bucks its a heck of a lense, im gonna still call it the nifty fifty makes me sound not so cheap

[94greenbandit]

Where did you buy it from

[946speedz]

got everything off amazon. i found a few cheaper places but trusted amazon with my money.

[Exitspeed]

nifty or thrifty still for 70 bucks its a heck of a lense, im gonna still call it the nifty fifty makes me sound not so cheap

Yea people still call it that. I think thrifty is just funny.

[Nick]

I just call my 50mm 1.4 my "50mm lens."

[946speedz]

hahahah good point nick

[Goat Roper]

I just call my 50mm 1.4 my "50mm lens."

The "50 mil" for me :thumbsup

[Goat Roper]

Holy shit.

Do you have a high res of this? I am in this pic. :rolf:rolf:rolf

GReen shirt and black backwards hat on the left side of the photo in the rocks.

Hey, guys, sorry about being gone this week. I will get caught up on my PMs, amongst other things, this weekend.

I had to look for you but yes.

100% crop

http://www.webtrendsguy.com/images/nickcrop.jpg

[Nick]

BWAHAHAH That's me in the black hat and green shirt!!!! My buddy james in the white sitting to my right. Holy shit. How crazy is that

[946speedz]

my goodies arrived about 30 mins ago and i love it....already have about 50 pics under my belt.....i have A LONG WAY TO GO!!!!! but this thing is friggen slick